Many people wonder if makeup and skincare are compatible. Does using makeup ruin all the benefits of using high-quality skincare products? Are there things to know to get the best of both skincare and makeup?
Calypso Cavallo tells you everything you need to know.
Makeup and skincare
Most of us heard at least once that makeup is harmful to the skin and that it is useless to use high-quality skincare products if you apply makeup on the top. Is it true?
First, makeup is not necessarily harmful to the skin. It depends on its ingredients and the skin type. Some makeup products tend to grease the skin while others may dry it. Just like skincare, there are makeup products formulated for dry or oily skin, and using the wrong type may cause skin problems.
If you have acne-prone skin, the best is to use lightweight makeup products such as foundation to avoid clogging pores and reduce brightness. Some foundations are formulated with active ingredients, such as tea tree, to prevent breakouts. On the other hand, if you have dry and rough skin, it is better to choose a richer creamy foundation that will moisturize your skin and correct it.
The main purpose of makeup is not to correct the skin but to make it look better at the moment. Investing more money in skincare than makeup is better because skincare makes your skin radiant and healthy while temporarily hiding the imperfections.
The proper way to use makeup
When discussing makeup and skincare, there are some things to know to keep your skin healthy. First, we must apply makeup on clean and moisturized skin. Never go to sleep before removing your makeup, as the makeup components degrade over time and may irritate your skin or feed bacteria that cause breakouts. Once you have removed your makeup, always wash your face properly and apply a moisturizer or serum.
As with every product you put on your skin, choose your makeup remover carefully! There are several types of makeup removers: the oil-based ones are good for dryer skins but may cause breakouts on acne-prone skins. Oilier skin should pick oil-free micellar water makeup remover.
Some people are sensitive to certain makeup remover ingredients, so if you notice discomfort after using a makeup remover, swap it for another kind or another brand.
When to avoid using makeup?
It is not recommended to use makeup on skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, as the makeup product ingredients may cause allergic reactions on weakened skin and worsen the issue. Never use makeup if it causes an uncomfortable sensation or rash.
Just like skincare products, makeup expires, and using expired makeup products causes allergies, especially wet products such as cream or gel.
If makeup is generally safe, many people with acne-prone skin report breakouts after using makeup products. Why? The bacteria on the face frequently goes inside the makeup products via fingers or tools. When you apply your face powder, for example, you put your brush in the product container, then apply it on your face, then in the container again. If you have bacteria on your face, it will get inside the product and sits there until the next time you apply the powder. When you put the powder on your face again, the bacteria will be back, even if you managed to get rid of it with an appropriate skincare routine. It is something to know about makeup and skincare.
This cross-contamination is the main reason people who suffer from acne and use makeup have more difficulties treating it than those who do not. As a general makeup rule, avoid double dipping your brush in containers and spraying them every time you use them with an alcohol-containing brush cleanser to kill bacteria.